A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love

I agree with another reviewer on here. I thought the second was the best thus far, while this was in par with the first. That said, it is a sweet and warm story. I do love the concept of this series; thus, I hope we get a fourth instalment next Christmas. The script was strong as well. The writers could have given more scenes to the two leads, though, to be fair, they only have 80 minutes to tell this story. The relationship between Margie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) and Scott (played by Zahf Paroo) seemed odd. They never once touched on screen, for example; it was hard to believe that they were a couple. It just seemed strange. The acting, overall, was strong. Both Sam Page (as Pat) and D'Orsay had good performances, convincing performances for the most part. The chemistry was good, though, as I alluded to above, the writers could have developed this a bit more. The supporting cast was pretty good too. I thought the grandmother (played by Michele Scarabelli) had a very warm and gentle feel to her performance, which I enjoyed. Finally, the scenery, props and sets were very well polished, quite festive. Overall, this latest edition to the Godwink series specifically, and Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup more broadly, is a warm and heartfelt welcome. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy this Christmas movie.

I really enjoyed this installment of Godwink, Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay do a great job portraying a pair of high school sweethearts who meet again later in life. Page & D'Orsay have great chemistry and an easy flow between them that you would expect to see in this, all too relatable scenario, in this "Facebook" generation. The pace is good, the entire cast is good, and the story is interesting enough that I found myself being pulled right into it. I'll be watching this one again.

The cast is perfect especially Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page: they are perfect together, I really liked their connection. Besides, Sam page often has good roles.

First review after countless years on here. And it's because I've lived in both Hawaii and now Boise that I watched it. But the scene of the downtown spread out with mountains in the background just isn't right. We have a real downtown, with high-rises. Not huge, but distinguishing from smaller cities. And the main pictures are from the Bench, staring down at the wide road leading through downtown and ending at the Capitol. Most photos of Boise are like that. We have foothills, leading to the Sawtooths behind, which are basically invisible from Boise. And it doesn't snow much here. Some now and then, and we did have a slightly snowy year very recently (climate change?), but snow on the ground, and drifts, etc., just isn't here. It's Dec. 11, and no snow. A few flakes, but nothing has stayed. And that's normal. But otherwise it's a typical Hallmark rom-com with the you either like them or not basic plots. I usually do, so they get my Hallmark rating, which is different from my action/sci-fi rating scale. Apples and kiwis.

I was so excited to see this installment of the "Godwink" Christmas series. All unrelated stories, all based on true couples with cute romances, you can expect them to be extremely corny. After all, the premise is God "winking" at a couple who needs a little nudge to get together. Add that to a Christmas setting, and this Hallmark franchise is just about as cheesy as it gets. But there are lots of people who love those types of movies and look forward to them every year, so don't knock them until you've watched a couple.

Starring Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay as high school sweethearts reunited years later, they both "coincidentally" run into each other driving through the streets of Boise. Brooke actually recognizes his car (those who just rolled their eyes can turn the movie off now). Sam has an ex-wife, two sons, and no job. He's just moved home after living his dream adventure job in Hawaii. You can't help but feel a little sad, since his life didn't turn out the way he wanted it. And, since he's obviously going to get back together with his high school girlfriend, it makes you wonder if the past fifteen years had been a big waste. Don't throw anything at me; I know he loves his children. But he'll also love the children he'll have with Brooke just as much.

When you watch this one, just throw realism out the window. Yes, it's based on a true story, and yes Brooke makes sure to say "Boise" the way Idahoans do, but the rest of it is pure fantasy. Sam's mom, Michele Scarabelli, looks way too young to be a grandmother. If it weren't for the white wig they made her wear, you'd think she was the female lead. Brooke's relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend, Zahf Paroo, is pretty forced. They've been long-distance for six months, and now that his transfer puts him in Boise with her, they're ... pretty anxious to stay as far apart as possible. Brooke's boss, Hallmark veteran Brenda Crichlow, does not treat her like an employee, and Brooke's best friend, Katrina Reynolds, has great energy but is far more supportive than real best friends. And does no one else notice that the younger actors cast as the teenage versions of the leads look absolutely nothing like them?

Overall, even though I liked the cast, I didn't end up liking this movie. I'll stick with some of my favorites, Christmas in Rome and Miss Christmas. By the time Brooke declares their latest foray will be "the most amazing adventure in the world!" the cynics will no doubt mutter, "I don't care," under their breaths. Those who love corn, cheese, and mistletoe, will probably dab their eyes and hope something so romantic will happen to them.